The UFAK North Region Karate Championships in Tripoli was the first international karate event held in Libya for more than 20 years ©WKF

Libya has held its first karate competition since the start of civil war in the country in 2011, with athletes from four other nations in attendance.

The First Libyan Civil War in 2011 led to the killing of dictator Muammar Gaddafi, ending his rule which dated back to 1969.

However, ongoing factional violence led to a second civil war which ran from 2014 to 2020.

The African Karate Federation (UFAK) North Region Karate Championships in the capital Tripoli were the first international event in the sport held in Libya for more than 20 years.

Libya's Sports Minister Abdulshfie Hussien Aljwifi and National Olympic Committee President Jamal Ezarrugh were in attendance to mark the occasion, along with World Karate Federation (WKF) Executive Committee members Bechir Cherif of Tunisia and Souleymane Gaye of Senegal.

Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and Mauritania were the other nations in attendance at the UFAK North Region Karate Championships.

Hosts Libya led the medals table with 14 golds, with Tunisia earning 11 and Morocco eight.

Hosts Libya topped the medals table at the UKAF North Region Karate Championships with 14 golds ©WKF
Hosts Libya topped the medals table at the UKAF North Region Karate Championships with 14 golds ©WKF

A referee course was held alongside the event, attended by more than 50 judges and coaches.

WKF President Antonio Espinós said the Championships was evidence of karate's growth in the region.

"The progress of karate in Africa is at the core of our strategic plan," the Spanish official said.

"The celebration of major events is crucial for the development of our sport in the continent and for that, events such as these UFAK North Region Championships in Libya have an unparalleled relevance.

"Moreover, the karate family is extremely pleased with the successful organisation of this tournament, as it brings back major karate competitions to the country after two decades.

"In this sense, I want to thank UFAK and its President Mohamed Tahar Mesbahi for their efforts, WKF Executive Committee members Bechir Cherif and Souleymane Gaye for their leadership in ensuring the success of the event, and the Libya Karate Federation and its President Jamal Faraj Erhoumah for their courage to host the tournament after such long time."